Gallop in the sky

Newmarket

From the inception of the idea for a new uphill endurance gallop, Bidwells has worked closely with our long-standing client Jockey Club Estates Ltd to progress this unique and inspiring proposal for a kilometre long ‘elevated’ horse gallop to the west of Newmarket.

The proposed gallop is designed to maximise use of the existing ground levels to carefully assimilate the rising structure within the wider landscape setting. Improved biodiversity measures, site ecology and visual impact are all important considerations. The project came with problems which needed specific specialist solutions such as underlying chalk geology, water, drainage and contamination management.

What we did

We provided an integral multi-specialist Bidwells team including Planning, EIA, Structural Engineering, Design, Master Planning, LVIA and Landscape Design Teams to shape the full planning application

The GLVIA3 compliant assessment progressed together alongside the development of the design, which in itself was done in collaboration with the client, the local authority and other stake holders

Landscape interventions such as landform, woodland cover, and retaining the existing structure of the landscape as far as possible, were incorporated into the proposals as a result of the assessment

Result

The proposed gallop is designed to maximise use of the existing ground levels to carefully assimilate the rising structure within the wider landscape setting. Improved biodiversity measures, site ecology and visual impact are all important considerations. The project came with challenges which needed specific specialist solutions such as underlying chalk geology, water, drainage and contamination management

The planning application was approved by Forest Heath District Council at Planning Committee on 6 September 2017.